QUETTA - Over a hundred Baloch militants fighting against security forces in Balochistan have surrendered and pledged their allegiance to the country, officials said on Sunday.
A group of 59 militants including two key commanders appeared before the media, along with senior politicians and government officials from the province, to announce they would end militant activities and become a “useful part” of society.
They followed a group of 47 militants on Saturday. All were given amnesty by the government.
“These people were in fact misled by the anti-state elements who are being funded by foreign spy agencies,” said Sanaullah Zehri, a senior Balochistan minister. “They have now pledged to lead a good life as true Pakistanis,” he said.
The militants who surrendered were from groups such as Baloch Republican Army (BRA), Baloch National Movement (BNM) and Lashkar-e-Balochistan (Army of Balochistan).
“We were trapped by our leaders who said they are fighting for the rights of Balochs, but later we realised that they were enjoying their lives abroad and had pushed us and our families to a war here,” Obaidullah alias Babrak, a Lashkar-e-Balochistan commander, told reporters.
Baloch separatists demanding more autonomy and control over gas and mineral resources have frequently targeted security forces and police for years.
Pakistan’s largest province - which borders Iran and Afghanistan - is also riven by sectarian strife and militant violence.
Its roughly seven million inhabitants have long complained they do not receive a fair share of its gas and mineral wealth.
According to local news agencies, the Ferrari commanders, who gave up fighting, were Din Jan alias Miran Muhammad Hasni and Ubaidullah alias Babrak.
Sanaullah Zehri said “Our doors are open to other young men who have gone to the mountains. You have been misled by tribal leaders who are sitting in Switzerland while you are fighting in the mountains.”
“Disgruntled Baloch should come back from the mountains, will welcome them all,” said Zehri.
PML-N Balochistan leader Sanaullah Zehri also urged Baloch youths to play their role in the national development. He asked Baloch youth not to fall prey to anti-Pakistan propaganda by certain anti-country elements.
The minister said Baloch youth were being provoked against Pakistan in the name of independence.
On this occasion, rebel commanders surrendered before Sanaullah Zehri along with their 57 companions.
Speaking on the occasion, one of the surrendered commanders, Ubaidullah alias Babrak said he will live as a peaceful citizen. He condemned the killing of 20 labourers in Khuzdar. He said anti-Pakistan elements were pushing Baloch youth into the darkness in the name of independence.
Other BLA commander Din Jan alias Miran said he was abandoning so-called war.